LED light dongle communication system

ABSTRACT

A Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongle may include an optical transceiver having a USB inter face for engagement to an electronic device such as a laptop computer or other USB-configured device. The USB dongle may include a converter or buffering, isolation, modulation or amplification circuitry. The USB dongle sends and receives data signals which may be carried upon an optical transmission as generated by an LED light source which in turn is in communication with a host device such as a network processor. The USB dongle may also include operational amplifiers (op-amps) and transistor amplifiers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional patent application No.60/931,611, filed May 24, 2007, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention is generally directed tolight emitting diodes (LEDs) and applications thereof. In particular,some embodiments of the present invention are directed to using LEDs andLED interface devices in conjunction with power line communicationtechnology to provide internet access and communication capability toresidential and commercial clientele.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Present communication techniques using wireless communication includingradiofrequency transmissions (RF) raise security concerns becausetransmissions using RF can be easily intercepted, in part because of thefact that RF signals are designed to radiate signals in all directions.Second, radiofrequency transmissions may be regulated by the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) which may control the frequencies thatmay be used for RF transmission. Third, RF by its very nature issusceptible to interference and produces noise.

In contrast to RF communications, light sources used for communicationare extremely secure due to the fact that they are focused within anarrow beam, requiring the placement of equipment within the beam itselffor interception. Also, because the visible spectrum is not regulated bythe FCC, light sources can be used for communications purposes withoutthe need of a license. Light sources are also not susceptible tointerference nor do they produce noise that can interfere with otherdevices.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as light sources to attemptdata transmission, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,879,263 and7,046,160, the entire contents of each being expressly incorporatedherein by reference. LEDs have a quick response to “ON” and “OFF”signals, as compared to the longer warm-up and response times associatedwith fluorescent lighting, for example. LEDs are efficient in theproduction of light, as measured in lumens per watt. Recent developmentsin LED technology, such as high brightness blue LEDs, have paved the wayfor white LEDs, which have made LEDs a practical alternative toconventional light sources. As such, LED technology provides a practicalopportunity to combine lighting and communication. This combination oflighting and communication allows ubiquitous light sources such asstreet lights, home lighting, and office building lighting, for example,to be converted to, or supplemented with, LED technology to provide forcommunications while simultaneously producing light for illuminationpurposes.

In addition to use as general lighting, LEDs can be used in networkingapplications. In any network, a variety of client devices willcommunicate with one or more host devices. The host may provideconnection to a Local Area Network (LAN), sometimes referred to as anIntranet, owing to the common use of such a network entirely within anoffice space, building, or business. The host may additionally oralternatively provide connection to a Wide Area Network (WAN), commonlydescribing a network coupling widely separated physical locations whichare connected together through any suitable connection, including forexemplary purposes but not solely limited thereto such means as fiberoptic links, T1 lines, Radio Frequency (RF) links including cellulartelecommunications links, satellite connections, DSL connections, oreven Internet connections. Generally, where mote public means such asthe Internet are used, secured access will commonly separate the WANfrom general Internet traffic. The host may further provide access tothe Internet.

A variety of client devices have heretofore been enabled to connect tohost devices. Such client devices may commonly include computing devicesof all sorts, ranging from hand-held devices such as Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs) to massive mainframe computers, and including PersonalComputers (PCs). However, over time many more devices have been enabledfor connection to network hosts, including for exemplary purposesprinters, network storage devices, cameras, other security and safetydevices, appliances, HVAC systems, manufacturing machinery, and soforth. Essentially, any device which incorporates or can be made toincorporate sufficient electronic circuitry may be so linked as a clientto a host.

Existing client devices ate designed to connect to host network accesspoints through wired connections, like copper wire, for example, fiberoptic connections, or as wireless connections, such as wireless routers.In the case of a wired system, whether through simple wire, twistedwire, co-axial cable, fiber optics or other line or link, the host andclient are tethered together through this physical communicationschannel. The tether, as may be appreciated, limits movement of theclient relative to the host, is often unsightly and hard to contain in aworkspace, and so may even be or become a tripping hazard. In addition,electrical connectors such as jacks must be provided, and theseconnectors necessarily limit the number of access points and locations.The installation of connectors defaces walls, sometimes rendering themunsuitable for a particular desired application, and yet they addundesirable installation expense, whether during new construction or inretrofitting an existing building structure.

In contrast, in the case of wireless routers, an RF signal replaces thephysical communications channel with a radio channel. Thisadvantageously eliminates the wire or fiber tether between client andhost. Instead, client devices in a wireless system try through variousbroadcasts and signal receptions to find an access point that will haveadequate transmission and reception, generally within a certain signalrange which may range from a few meters to as many as several tens ofmeters. The systems are programmed to bridge from a host access point tovarious client devices through known exchanges of information, commonlydescribed as communications protocols or handshakes. Depending upon thecommunications channel, a variety of client connection devices areutilized such as PCMCIA or PC cards, serial ports, parallel ports, SIMMcards, USB connectors, Ethernet cards or connectors, firewireinterfaces, Bluetooth compatible devices, infrared/IrDA devices, andother known or similar components.

The security of these prior art wireless devices may be compromised inthat they are vulnerable to unauthorized access or interception, and theinterception may be from a significant distance, extending often wellbeyond physical building and property boundaries. Moreover, reliabilitycan be hindered by interference from an appliance such as a microwaveoven.

The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitutean admission that any patent, publication or other information referredto herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition,this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been madeor that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. §1.56(a)exists.

All U.S. patents and applications and all other published documentsmentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, a brief summary of some ofthe claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additionaldetails of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additionalembodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description ofthe Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification isprovided for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. §1.72.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This application is related to the patent application entitled “LEDLight Communication System,” patent application Ser. No. 12/126,529,filed contemporaneously herewith, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. The present application is also related to thepatent application entitled “Building Illumination Apparatus withIntegrated Communications, Security and Energy Management,” patentapplication Ser. No. 12/126,342, filed contemporaneously herewith, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Also the presentapplication is related to the patent application entitled “LED LightInterior Room and Building Communication System,” patent applicationSer. No. 12/12,6647, filed contemporaneously herewith, which isincorporated by reference herein it its entirety. Further, the presentapplication is also related to the patent application entitled “BroadBand Over Power Line Communication System,” patent application Ser. No.12/126,469, filed contemporaneously herewith, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. The present application is alsorelated to the patent application entitled “LED Light Global PositioningAnd Routing Communication System,” patent application Ser. No.12/126,589, filed contemporaneously herewith, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Applicant also incorporates by reference herein patent application Ser.No. 10/646,853, filed Aug. 22, 2003, which claims the benefit ofprovisional patent application Nos. 60/405,592 and 60/405,379, bothfiled Aug. 23, 2002, the disclosures of all three being expresslyincorporated herein by reference. Applicant also incorporates byreference herein patent application Ser. No. 12/032,908, filed Feb. 18,2008, which is continuation of patent application Ser. No. 11/433,979,filed May 15, 2006, which is a continuation of patent application Ser.No. 11/102,989, filed Apr. 11, 2005, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,046,160,which is a division of patent application Ser. No. 09/993,040, filedNov. 14, 2001, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,879,263, which claims thebenefit of provisional patent application No. 60/248,894, filed Nov. 15,2000, the entire contents of each being expressly incorporated herein byreference.

According to the invention, there is provided a light emitting diode(LED) signal light and systematic information transfer through encryptedpulsed light communication system which may be depicted in severalembodiments. In general, the signal light and pulsed light communicationsystem may be formed of a single row, single source, or an array oflight emitting diode light sources configured on a light support and inelectrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery,or other electrical source. The signal light and pulsed lightcommunication system may provide various light signals, colored lightsignals, or combination or patterns of light signals for use inassociation with the communication of information. These light signalsmay also be encoded. Additionally, the signal light and pulsed lightcommunication system may be capable of displaying symbols, characters,or arrows. Rotating and oscillating light signals may be produced bysequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light supportin combination with the provision of variable light intensity from thecontroller. However, the signal light and pulsed light communicationsystem may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. Thesignal light and pulsed light communication system may also be easilytransportable and may be conveniently connected to a device or structurefor electrical coupling to a power supply, battery, or other electricalsource as a remote stand-alone signaling or communication device.

Individual light supports as a portion of the communication system maybe positioned adjacent to, and/or be in electrical communication withanother light support, through the use of suitable electricalconnections. Alternatively, individual light supports may be incommunication with each other exclusively through the transmission andreceipt of pulsed light signals.

A plurality of light supports or solitary light sources may beelectrically coupled in either a parallel or series manner to acontroller. The controller is also preferably in electricalcommunication with the power supply and the LED's, to regulate ormodulate the light intensity for the LED light sources. The individualLED's and/or arrays of LED's may be used for transmission ofcommunication packets formed of light signals.

The controller for the LED light support may generate and/or recognizepulsed light signals used to communicate information. The LED lightsystem may also include a receptor coupled to the controller, where thereceptor is constructed and arranged for receipt of pulsed LED lightsignals for conversion to digital information, and for transfer of thedigital information to the controller for analysis and interpretation.The controller may then issue a light signal or other communicationsignal to an individual to communicate the content of receivedinformation transmitted via a pulsed LED light carrier.

In one embodiment of the invention, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongleor similar device may be plugged into a laptop computer or otherUSB-configured device. The dongle, or similar device, allows hardwarelike laptop computers, printers, or other electronic devices that werenot originally designed with an optical XCVR to be easily retrofitted topermit optical communications through transmission and reception ofpulsed light signals, as generated by the LED's.

The USB dongle may be small, and may plug into diverse client devicesfor the purpose of providing data access and communication withoutmechanically interfering with the placement or use of the client device.The USB dongle sends and receives data signals which may be carried uponan optical transmission. The data signals may originate from and/or arereceived by a host device through one or more photodetectors.

The USB dongle may include a conversion device, or software performing aconversion function, for placement of a received or generated datasignal into a desired format. In addition, the USB dongle may includeappropriate buffering, isolation, modulation or amplification circuitrywhich will provide appropriate voltage and power through drive signal toadequately drive the LED(s) for production of a data-bearing visiblelight transmission. Exemplary of common transmit circuitry areoperational amplifiers (op-amps) and transistor amplifiers.

The USB dongle device will preferably include reception circuitry forreceiving data from a data-bearing visible light wave input signal. Thedata-bearing visible light wave may be detected by one or more lightsensors and converted to a data-bearing electrical signal for processingwithin a USB-user configured device.

The USB dongle is preferably in communication with a host lamp fixturesystem which is in communication with a host processor. The host lampfixture replaces conventional stationary (mounted in a particular place)lighting fixtures to provide optical communication between the host andthe user device through the USB dongle. The host lamp fixture ispreferably constructed and arranged to communicate data through pulsedlight transmissions.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be madeto the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and describedembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is isometric view of an embodiment for an LED USB Dongle device.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of an LED USB Dongle device.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of an LED USB Dongle device.

FIG. 4 is an end view of an embodiment of an LED USB Dongle device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System for an LED USB Dongle device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of theinvention. This description is an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in thefigures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

In one of the embodiments disclosed herein, the controller may regulateand/or modulate the duty cycle for the LED light sources, therebyvarying the intensity of the observed light. The controller may beutilized to simultaneously provide modulated or variable light intensityto different and/or independent sections, areas, and/or sectors of alight source.

In one embodiment a server PC may be connected via a USB cable to aserver optical transceiver (XCVR), and a client PC may be connected viaa USB cable to a client optical transceiver. The server PC is incommunication with a network via a CAT-5 cable, for example. The serveroptical XCVR and the client optical XCVR are substantially similar in atleast one embodiment. An exemplary optical XCVR (or, simply, “XCVR”)circuit includes one or more LEDs for transmission of light and one ormore photodetectors for receiving transmitted light. The term“photodetector” includes “photodiodes” and all other devices capable ofconverting light into current or voltage. The terms photodetector andphotodiode are used interchangeably hereafter. The use of the termphotodiode is not intended to restrict embodiments of the invention fromusing alternative photodetectors that are not specifically mentionedherein.

In at least one embodiment, the XCVR circuit may include an RS232 to USBconversion module. The transmit pin on the USB conversion module drivesthe driver electronics for the LEDs. In some embodiments, the XCVRcircuit includes high intensity LEDs. In some embodiments it may bedesirable to use high intensity LEDs to enhance lighting, to improvedata transmission, or both. In at least one embodiment, a 12 volt DC, 3amp power supply is sufficient for powering an array of high intensityLEDs.

In some embodiments, the XCVR circuit further includes an amplifier foramplifying the optical signal received by the photodiode. The output ofthe amplifier may be fed into level shifting circuitry to raise thesignal to TTL levels, for example. The signal is then fed into thereceive pin of the RS232 to USB module.

In some embodiments, a 9V battery can be used to power the amplifiercircuitry Significant noise is generated by switching high brightnessLEDs on and off at 200 mA and 500 kbps, for example. Powering theamplifier with a battery can reduce these noise problems by reducing orremoving transients.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the LED can both emit andreceive light. In such an embodiment, the LED can act both as atransmitter or receiver. More information on such bi-directional LEDscan be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,072,587, the entire contents of whichare expressly incorporated herein by reference.

The XCVR circuit can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongle, such asshown in FIGS. 1-5, or similar device that is plugged into a laptopcomputer or other USB-configured device. The dongle, or similar device,allows hardware like printers, etc that were not originally designedwith an optical XCVR to be easily retrofitted to permit opticalcommunications. As seen in FIGS. 1-5, USB dongle 1000, includes a USBplug 1020 which is in the preferred embodiment most desirably compatiblewith standard USB connectors found on many devices. USB connectors arefound on nearly all recently manufactured printers, PCs, flash drives,portable media players such as MP-3 and video players, and a plethora ofother devices. While USB plug 1020 is preferred, owing to the wideavailability of USB-enabled client devices, it is contemplated hereinthat the physical and electrical interface may comprise other standardsor alternative constructions. As but one example, an IEEE-1394(Firewire) interface may be provided alternatively or in addition to USBplug 1020. USB dongle 1000 is in the most prefer red embodimentphysically small, such that it may plug into diverse client devices forthe purpose of providing data access and communication withoutmechanically interfering with the placement or use of the client device.

Instead of relying on radio frequencies, USB dongle 1000 communicatesthrough a visible light communications channel. Data signals carriedupon an optical transmission are received from a host throughphotodetector 1040. Data signals are transmitted to the host by LED1060. Most preferably, photodetector 1040 and LED 1060 are isolated by avisible barrier, which may be a simple protrusion 1080. Recesses andother optical barriers are further contemplated herein to serve asisolation from emitter-receiver feedback.

USB dongle 1000 is enabled to electrically connect to any client thataccepts USB plug 1020, or other connector substituted or provided inaddition thereto FIG. 5 illustrates through schematic block diagram anexemplary electrical design of a USB dongle. To be recognized by theclient device, the USB dongle will have to obey the electrical andcommunications specifications for the particular connection type.Consequently, in the preferred embodiment, the USB dongle will complywith both physical and electrical USB specifications through a suitableconnection apparatus 1120, allowing connection to a USB host.

The USB-compliant signal 1130 is not, in the preferred embodiment, thepreferred signal format for optical transmission or reception.Consequently, transmission of USB-compliant signals 1130 will requireconversion through conversion apparatus 1140 to suitable opticaltransmission format required at transmit signal 1200. For exemplarypurposes, if the USB specification uses a differential signaling methodusing two wires for data, it may be desirable to convert USB-compliantsignal 1130 to a different signaling standard, such as a single-endedsignaling scheme like the well-known RS-232 standard, which uses asingle line for data. Conversion apparatus 1140 will, in accord with thepreferred embodiment, be configured to provide the selected electricalconversion. Transmit circuitry 1210 may, in the preferred embodiment,simply be appropriate buffering, isolation, modulation or amplificationcircuitry which will provide appropriate voltage and power through drivesignal 1220 to adequately drive LED 1230 into producing a data-bearingvisible light transmission 1240. Exemplary of common transmit circuitryare operational amplifiers (op-amps) and transistor amplifiers, thoughthose skilled in the art of signal conditioning will recognize aplethora of optional circuits and components which might optionally beused in conjunction with the present invention. In one conceivedembodiment, the data-bearing visible light transmission may further bemodulated, using FM, AM, PWM, PPM, OFDM, QAM or other known modulationtechniques.

Similar to the transmission circuitry, USB dongle 1000 also incorporatesreception circuitry for receiving data from a data-bearing visible lightwave input signal 1160. Data-bearing visible light wave 1160 will bedetected by light sensor 1170 and converted to a data-beating electricalsignal 1180. Receive circuitry 1190 will appropriately condition, andmay further convert data-bearing electrical signal 1180. As but oneexample of such conversion, receive circuitry 1190 may additionallydemodulate data-bearing electrical signal 1180, if the data stream hasbeen modulated by an optical host, and suitable buffering, amplificationand other conditioning may be provided to yield a received data signal1150. Conversion apparatus 1140 will convert received signal 1150 to aUSB-compliant signal 1130.

The preferred embodiment USB dongle 1000 uses visible light as thecommunications channel between client and host, which offers advantagein security, reliability, system testing and configuration, bandwidth,infrastructure, and in other ways. Security is greatly increased becauselight does not go through walls, in contrast to radio communications,and steps can be taken to obstruct visible transmissions with a muchgreater certainty than with high frequency radio waves. Furthermore, thevisible light may additionally be limited or directed by known opticalcomponents such as lenses and reflectors to selectively form beams, asopposed to omni-directional transmissions.

The visible optical link does not interfere with existing communicationsystems like those that are common today. Consequently, the preferredembodiment may be used in a variety of applications where prior artsystems were simply unable due to EMI/RFI considerations.

Set-up, testing, troubleshooting and the like are also vastlysimplified. When the light communication system is working, the user canactually see the illumination. If an object interferes with lighttransmission, the user will again immediately recognize the same. Thus,the ease and convenience of this visible light system adds up to greatermobility and less cost. In addition, relatively high energy outputs maybe provided where desired using the preferred visible lightcommunications channel, since the human eye is adapted andwell-protected against damage from visible light. In contrast, manyinvisible transmission techniques such as Ultraviolet (UV) or Infra-Red(IR) systems have much potential for harm.

A host lamp fixture system replaces stationary (mounted in a particularplace) lighting fixtures in order to communicate data. Inside of LEDlights there may be one or many dies; these may pulsate on slightlydifferent frequencies from a single light to communicate. Each may belooking for changes by way of Multiple Channel Access or other suitabletechnique.

When a client (such as a laptop) asks for channels, the host tells wherethe channels can be located. Lights in a ceiling, for example, willcommunicate with any capable transceiver. One suitable method uses BPL(Broadband over Power Lines) for network connection, taking data andembedding it into a carrier frequency or group like radio, but insteadusing power lines or wave guides for transmission throughout an existingset of power lines within a building. Thus, a building needs to be wiredonly for lights, saving a huge infrastructure of other wires andfixtures, saving a great deal of money.

In at least one embodiment, the optical XCVRs, or circuitry attachedthereto, include modulation circuitry for modulating a carrier signalwith the optical signal. Modulation can be used to eliminate biasconditions caused by sunlight or other interfering light sources.Digital modulation can be accomplished by using phase-shift keying,amplitude-shift keying, frequency-shift keying, quadrature modulation,or any other digital modulation technique known by those of ordinaryskill. Similarly, such XCVRs can include demodulation circuitry thatextracts the data from the received signal. Some modulation anddemodulation techniques for modulating light signals are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,732,310, 5,245,681, and 6,137,613, the entire contentsof each being expressly incorporated herein by reference.

It may be desirable in some embodiments to further include filters orfilter circuitry to prevent unwanted light from being amplified. Forexample, the optical baseband signal can be modulated at 100 kHz andthen transmitted. The XCVR that receives the 100 kHz modulated signalcan include a filter stage centered at 100 kHz. The filtered 100 kHzsignal can then be input into the amplifier circuitry, therebypreventing amplification of unwanted signals. In some embodiments, itcan be desirable to amplify the transmitted signal first, and thenfilter out the baseband signal.

Additional information regarding data communication can be found inInternational Publication Number WO 99/49435, the entire contents ofwhich are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment of the present invention a user device equipped with aUSB dongle may be in communication with a system incorporating the useof broadband over power line (BOPL) communications system. Techniquesfor transmitting data signals over power lines can be found in U.S. Pat.No. 7,349,325, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

In some embodiments, an optical XCVR light fixture provides lighting forone or more rooms on the customer premises. In operative communicationwith the optical XCVR is a power line bridge that demodulates the signalfrom the electrical power that supplies power to AC/DC converter thatsupplies power to the LED array of the XCVR. The power line bridge sendsthe demodulated signal to the optical XCVR for transmission. The USBdongle in turn is in optical communication with the XCVR enablingcommunication from a host through the Broadband over power line network,then through the power bridge, and finally optically from the XCVR to auser device.

It can be desirable, however, to modulate the light signal prior totransmission to reduce the effects of external lighting. Such anembodiment can be desirable because each room at a customer premise canbe either be designed for or retrofitted with optical XCVRs in theceiling, for example, for lighting. As such, the main light source inthe room doubles as an optical link for electronic equipment. Becausethe optical XCVRs are located in the ceiling, there are few items thatcan block the light signal.

Injecting the signal onto the electrical wiring and providing an opticallink through LED lighting is advantageous over wireless DSL modems.Often times, metal shelving or other structures on the premisesinterfere with or even block RF signals, thereby requiting multipleaccess points. However, providing an optical link through LED lightingin each room, for example, inherently provides multiple access points.

In some embodiments, a variety of physical and electrical configurationsare contemplated herein for LED light fixture. The LED light fixture mayreplace a standard fluorescent tube light fixture. This can beaccomplished by replacing the entire fixture such that ballasts andother devices specific to fluorescent lighting are replaced. In manycases, this will be the preferred approach. The fixture may then bewired for any suitable or desired voltage, and where a voltage orcurrent different from standard line voltage is used, transformers orpower converter s or power supplies may be provided. When a building iseither initially being constructed, or so thoroughly remodeled toprovide adequate replacement of wires, the voltage may be generated intransformers that may even be provided outside of the occupied space,such as on the roof, in a utility room, basement or attic. In additionto other benefit, placement in these locations will further reducerequirements for air conditioning.

As efficiencies of light generation by LEDs are now beginning to surpassfluorescent tubes, such entire replacement is more economical. However,total replacement of such fixtures is not the only means contemplatedherein. Any lesser degree of replacement is also considered inalternative embodiments. For exemplary purposes, the physical reflectorscommonly associated with fluorescent fixtures may be preserved, and thefixture simply rewired to bypass any ballasts or starter circuitry thatmight be present. In this case, line voltage, such as 120VAC at 60 Hertzin the United States, may pass through the electrical connector pins.

Where other types of fixtures already exist, such as standardincandescent Edison screw bases, LED bulbs may similarly accommodate thefixture. For incandescent replacement, no rewiring or removal ofballasts is required, since line voltage is applied directly toincandescent fixtures. Consequently, appropriate conversion may in oneconceived alternative embodiment simply involve the replacement of abulb with no fixture or wiring alterations.

In accord with a preferred method of the invention, LEDs are used totransmit through optical communication channel several kinds of data,including identity, location, audio and video information. The use of anoptical communications link provides large available bandwidth, which inturn permits multiple feeds of personal communication between LED lightsources and devices utilizing a USB dongle communication interface whichmay be similar to or in excess of that of cell phones. The optical datais transferred at rates fat in excess of those detectable by the humaneye, and so a person is not able to detect any visible changes as thedata is being transferred. Additionally, because optical illumination isconstrained by opaque objects such as walls, the location of a userdevice having a USB dongle can be discerned to a particular room,hallway or other similar space.

In some embodiments, an optical signal amplifier is in communicationwith the photodetectors to increase the signal strength of the receivedlight signals. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs are in operativecommunication with an LED power driver, ensuring a constant currentsource for the LEDs.

Within the disclosure provided herein, the term “processor” refers to aprocessor, controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, mainframecomputer or server, or any other device that can execute instructions,perform arithmetic and logic functions, access and write to memory,interface with peripheral devices, etc.

As described herein each, optical XCVR may also include non-volatilememory (FLASHRAM, EEPROM, and EPROM, for example) that may storefirmware for the optical XCVR, as well as text information, audiosignals, video signals, contact information for other users, etc, as iscommon with current cell phones.

In some embodiments, an optical signal amplifier is in communicationwith the photodiodes to increase the signal strength of the receivedlight signals. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs are in operativecommunication with an LED power driver, ensuring a constant currentsource for the LEDs.

In addition to being directed to the embodiments described above andclaimed below, the present invention is further directed to embodimentshaving different combinations of the features described above andclaimed below. As such, the invention is also directed to otherembodiments having any other possible combination of the dependentfeatures claimed below.

Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates GlobalPositioning System (GPS) information into the data packet to be sent.The Global Positioning System is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,463,the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference. GPS positioning uses one or more coordinate systems, such asWorld Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84), to provide a reference frame,allowing every point on earth to be coded with a unique GPS location.

A data packet may include GPS location header bits that include thepacket's destination address in GPS coordinates. The data packet mayfurther include GPS location trailer bits that include the packet'sorigin address in GPS coordinates. The data packet may further includethe address in GPS coordinates of the server optical transceiver (XCVR)that most recently transmitted the packet (the last known transmissionaddress, or LTA), as will be described in more detail below. The datapacket further includes the data to be transmitted, and may include anyother bits of information determined to be necessary for successfultransmission of data, such as error detection bits, as understood by aperson of ordinary skill in the art.

Routing data packets from one location to another location can beaccomplished using GPS location information tags data packets having ageographic location instead of a cyber location. Such an embodimenteliminates the need for any later geographic location translationbecause a data packet starts with geographic source and destinationinformation. This simplifies locating the destination of the datapacket.

In some embodiments, each data packet is assigned a GPSorigin/destination address as it passes through the networkinfrastructure. The data packet is always searching for the next closestGPS address location. Each stationary (or static) optical XCVR, and somedynamic optical XCVRs, within a network will be designated with a GPSlocation number. As a data packet passes through the network, it isrouted by the optical XCVRs, with their internal processors, to the nextphysically closer optical XCVR within the network. If another opticalXCVR is within receiving range, or is connected with another form ofcommunication medium, that optical XCVR receives the data packet. Theoptical XCVR's internal processor compares its internal GPS locationaddress (ILA) to the data packet's GPS destination address and theoptical XCVR's last known transmission address (LTA) stored within thedata packet. If the ILA code is closer to the data packet destinationaddress than the LTA code stored within the data packet, the opticalXCVR's processor inserts its ILA code into the data packet as the newLTA code and then repeats transmission of the entire data packet withthe updated LTA code.

The network continues this process until the data packet reaches thedestination optical XCVR, at which point the data packet is transmitted.If a piece of the infrastructure is missing, the packet will be reroutedto the next nearest optical XCVR and continue until it finds theshortest pathway through the network to the destination address.

This means that each user on the network may declare one or more staticpositions and also have a dynamic position. A static address may be ahome, an office, etc. When a user leaves their static address locationto move through the network infrastructure, the user then becomesdynamic. The network may track the user as the user passes opticalXCVRs, similar to that of cell phones in relation to cell phone towers,and provide a dynamic address location. If a data packet begins with adestination address that is the user's static address, the network mayupdate the packet with the user's new dynamic address and reroute thepacket accordingly, in a scheme similar to that of cellular phones.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is,therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims canbe combined with each other in other manners within the scope of theinvention such that the invention should be recognized as alsospecifically directed to other embodiments having any other possiblecombination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, forpurposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows shouldbe taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from allprior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependentclaim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within thejurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should bealternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). Injurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, thefollowing dependent claims should each be also taken as alternativelywritten in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependencyfrom a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claimlisted in such dependent claim below.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light emitting diode (LED) light communicationdevice comprising: a housing; at least one optical transceivercomprising at least one LED and at least one photodetector, wherein theat least one LED and the at least one photodetector are isolated fromemitter-receiver feedback; and a universal serial bus interface incommunication with said at least one optical transceiver, said opticaltransceiver being constructed and arranged for engagement to, andcommunication with, an electronic device, said optical transceiver beingfurther constructed and arranged for transmission of at least onetransmitted light signal and receipt of at least one received lightsignal, said at least one transmitted light signal and said at least onereceived light signal being observable to the unaided eyes of anindividual, said at least one received light signal being observable tothe unaided eyes of said individual as illumination, said at least onetransmitted light signal and said at least one received light signaleach comprising a plurality of rapid flashes of light, said rapidflashes of light having a frequency which is not observable to theunaided eyes of said individual, wherein said rapid flashes of light areconfigured for transmission of information or data said information ordata comprising at least one optical transceiver location identifier andat least one destination optical transceiver location identifier.
 2. TheLED light communication device of claim 1, said optical transceiverfurther comprising a converter.
 3. The LED light communication device ofclaim 2, said optical transceiver further comprising bufferingcircuitry.
 4. The LED light communication device of claim 3, saidoptical transceiver further comprising isolation circuitry.
 5. The LEDlight communication device of claim 4, said optical transceiver furthercomprising modulation circuitry.
 6. The LED light communication deviceof claim 4, said optical transceiver further comprising amplificationcircuitry.
 7. The LED light communication device of claim 1, saidinformation or data comprising global positioning system information. 8.The LED light communication device of claim 1, said information or datacomprising at least one intermediate optical transceiver locationidentifier.
 9. A light emitting diode (LED) light communication devicecomprising: a housing; at least one optical transceiver comprising atleast one LED and at least one photodetector, wherein the at least oneLED and the at least one photodetector are isolated fromemitter-receiver feedback; and a universal serial bus interface incommunication with said at least one optical transceiver, said opticaltransceiver being constructed and arranged for engagement to, andcommunication with, an electronic device, said optical transceiver beingfurther constructed and arranged for transmission of at least onetransmitted light signal and receipt of at least one received lightsignal, said at least one transmitted light signal and said at least onereceived light signal being observable to the unaided eyes of anindividual, said at least one received light signal providing light asillumination for a space, said at least one transmitted light signal andsaid at least one received light signal each comprising a plurality ofrapid flashes of light said rapid flashes of light having a wavelengthin the observable spectrum for the unaided eyes of an individual, saidrapid flashes of light having a frequency which is not observable to theunaided eyes of said individual, wherein said rapid flashes of light areconfigured for transmission of information or data said information ordata comprising at least one optical transceiver location identifier andat least one destination optical transceiver location identifier.